Naming of the wards and other significant areas

He graduated in medicine from the University of Sydney in 1962 and later travelled to the United Kingdon for further post-graduate training. He was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and also attained a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

In 1970 Dr Collins joined the Citizen Military Forces, and volunteered for service in Vietnam where he served as a specialist surgeon to the 1st Field Hospital in Vung Tu. His knowledge of surgery and orthopaedics was greatly valued by the unit.

Returning to Australia he was appointed an honorary orthopaedic surgeon to Nepean District Hospital in 1972 and subsequently held appointments at the Hawkesbury District Hospital, RAAF Hospital, Richmond and Military Hospital, Ingleburn.

Dr Collins took an active interest in the St John's Ambulance Brigade where he rose through the ranks of the organisation during his 40 years voluntary service. His service to St John's was recognised by his admission to the Order in 1974 and subsequent promotion in 1988 to Commanding Brother in the Order of St John.

On his return from Vietnam he continued his service with the Army Reserve, and he maintained a close association with the 1st Field Hospital - his unit in Vietnam. He was appointed a Member of the Military Division of the Order of Australia in the 1989 Australia Day Honours list "For Distinguished Service to the Australian Defence Force in the Discipline of Field Surgery". He was also appointed as honorary surgeon to his Excellency the Governor-General.

At the time of his death, he had risen to the rank of colonel, and held the position of Consultant Surgeon in Orthopaedics to the Director General of Army Health Services.